Vangoa VGE12-2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Vangoa VGE12-2 is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar designed for beginner and intermediate players. This cutaway dreadnought guitar features a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced and warm acoustic tone. The VGE12-2 is equipped with a built-in equalizer and tuner, allowing you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for amplified performances. With its classic body shape, laminate construction, and accessible price point, the Vangoa VGE12-2 aims to deliver core acoustic-electric functionality for guitarists looking to upgrade to a plug-in acoustic guitar.

Construction

The Vangoa VGE12-2 features a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides, giving it a balanced and well-rounded tone. The top is thin and responsive, providing good projection, while the mahogany body adds warmth and emphasis to the low end.

The guitar has a natural satin finish that allows the woods to resonate freely. The smooth finish is also comfortable against the player's body and hands. Binding along the body and fretboard gives the Vangoa an elegant look.

The neck is also made from mahogany and has a dual-action truss rod for adjusting and stabilizing the neck. It has a 25.59" scale length and a compensated saddle for proper intonation along the fretboard. The C-profile neck has a smooth, comfortable feel.

Overall, the use of solid spruce and mahogany woods gives the Vangoa VGE12-2 balanced tone and resonance, while the smooth satin finish and comfortable neck shape make it very playable. The construction quality is good for the price point.

Another comparable guitar to consider is the Cordoba 02503 acoustic-electric guitar. This model also features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides for a balanced, warm tone. The top is hand-selected for responsive and articulate tone. It has a natural satin finish as well. The mahogany neck has a slightly wider nut width than the Vangoa for comfortable playing. This Cordoba guitar comes equipped with an L.R. Baggs Element Active System pickup and preamp for amplifying the guitar's natural acoustic tone. The under-saddle piezo pickup and 3-band EQ provide excellent amplified tone and versatility. The Cordoba 02503 would be another quality choice in this price range, with similar all-solid wood construction and comfortable playability. The electronics package allows you to easily plug in for live performances or recording. Overall, the Cordoba 02503 is comparable to the Vangoa VGE12-2 in its use of tonewoods and comfortable playability, with the addition of useful electronics.

Playability

The Vangoa VGE12-2 has a nice and slim neck profile that fits comfortably in the hand. The neck is made of nato wood which provides stability and durability.

The rosewood fingerboard has a 12" radius and medium jumbo frets, allowing for easy chord changes and comfortable soloing. The frets are nicely finished with no sharp ends to irritate fingers.

The action on this guitar is set well from the factory, measuring around 4/64" on the high E string and 5/64" on the low E. This allows for comfortable chording without buzzing while still having enough clearance for pick playing. The action can be tweaked to preference by adjusting the truss rod and saddle height as needed.

Overall the Vangoa VGE12-2 has excellent playability right out of the box, with a slim neck, quality fingerboard, and well-set action that will satisfy most players. The smooth neck and fretboard invite extended practice sessions without fatigue. While the Vangoa offers great playability, those looking for other quality acoustic-electric options may want to consider the Fender 0373152503. This model from the iconic Fender brand also has fantastic playability with its own slim neck profile and smooth rosewood fingerboard. The action is also set very well from the factory for comfortable chording and soloing. The Fender acoustic-electric line provides excellent alternatives for players focused on playability and comfort.

When assessing the playability of an acoustic-electric guitar, the neck profile, fingerboard material, fret size, neck joint, and factory setup are all important factors to evaluate. A slim, comfortable neck profile along with a smooth fingerboard allows for fast playing across the entire fretboard. Medium or jumbo frets give fingers something substantial to hold onto during demanding passages. The nut and saddle have to be cut and positioned just right to facilitate proper string height and clearance along the full length of the neck. This allows for open and buzz-free chording as well as fretting freedom for single-note runs. The Vangoa VGE12-2 clearly hits the mark in all of these areas, making it a very playable instrument right out of the box. Players who try it out will surely be impressed with how comfortable and effortless it feels, inspiring extended practice sessions and creative musical ideas. While the Vangoa is an excellent choice, the Fender alternative demonstrates the range of playable acoustic-electrics available to suit different needs and budgets.

Sound

The Vangoa VGE12-2 produces a balanced and projecting acoustic tone thanks to its laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The spruce top provides brightness and clarity while the mahogany body lends warmth and sweetness.

When amplified, the guitar maintains its balanced tonality. The onboard electronics with 3-band EQ allow you to shape the amplified sound to your liking, whether boosting the lows for more bass response or dialing in more sparkle from the treble frequencies. The preamp reproduces the nuances of your playing dynamics and doesn't overly color the natural acoustic tone.

The Vangoa excels as an acoustic guitar for practice, jam sessions or small gigs. Plugged in, it has enough volume to hold its own for rehearsals or open mic performances. The electronics expand the guitar's versatility without compromising its unplugged potential.

Electronics

Acoustic-electric guitars like the Vangoa VGE12-2 have built-in electronics that amplify the natural acoustic sound of the guitar. This allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for louder volume required for live performances or recording situations.

The Vangoa VGE12-2 features a 2-band EQ with treble, bass and volume controls. There is also a built-in tuner and a 3-pin XLR output, 1/4" output and 1/8" headphone jack for connectivity.

The guitar has a dual-source pickup system with an under-saddle piezo pickup and a soundhole microphone. The piezo pickup captures the vibration of the strings and bridge for an accurate and balanced tone. The microphone picks up the resonance from the soundhole for more warmth and body. Together this pickup system provides a rich, well-rounded amplified acoustic tone.

The preamp and EQ give you tonal control when plugged in. You can boost treble for added clarity and cut bass to prevent muddiness. The volume knob allows you to match levels with other instruments. The tuner helps keep you in tune on stage or in the studio. Overall the electronics package gives you the tools needed for amplified acoustic guitar performance.

Hardware

The hardware on the Vangoa VGE12-2 is decent quality for the price. The tuners are open geared chrome tuners with black buttons. They hold tune reasonably well and feel smooth when tuning. Upgraded tuners could provide more stability, but the stock tuners get the job done.

The bridge is a rosewood bridge with a compensated saddle for improved intonation. It's a basic design but functions as expected. The white bridge pins give it a nice look. Overall the hardware handles well for a beginner acoustic-electric without any major weak points.

Some guitarists may eventually want to upgrade the tuners for something higher end, but the stock hardware is reliable for an affordable acoustic-electric.

Comfort

The Vangoa VGE12-2 is designed for long playing sessions and stage performance. It features a contoured back for a secure fit against your body. The cutaway allows easy upper fret access.

At just under 8 lbs, this guitar is lightweight enough for prolonged playing. The neck has a comfortable C-shape that fits nicely in your hand. The 12-fret neck joint allows excellent upper fret access.

The guitar is very well-balanced, with the strap buttons and electronics positioned to prevent neck dive. The smooth satin finish on the back of the neck promotes fast, effortless playing.

Overall, the Vangoa VGE12-2 offers excellent ergonomics. The lightweight build and contoured body provide hours of fatigue-free playing comfort on stage or in the studio. Guitarists with smaller hands will appreciate the comfortable neck profile and narrow nut width.

Value

Considering its build quality and components, the Vangoa VGE12-2 offers excellent value for the price. Though not the cheapest acoustic-electric in its class, it costs significantly less than most guitars with solid wood tops and quality electrical components.

The solid spruce top is responsive and helps project volume and clarity. The mahogany back and sides provide balanced tone across the frequencies. These tonewoods are found on much more expensive guitars.

The onboard preamp and pickup accurately translate the guitar's acoustic sound without excessive feedback. The tuner, EQ controls, and built-in reverb allow shaping your amplified tone, a rarity for guitars under $150.

Overall, the Vangoa punches above its weight given the quality materials and electronics. While the hardware and fretwork could be upgraded, it's impressive to find an all-solid wood acoustic-electric with these features at this accessible price point. The Vangoa VGE12-2 represents a great value guitar for beginner and intermediate players.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solidly built with laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, maple neck and rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• Crisp and balanced tone with good projection
• Smooth satin neck finish for comfortable playability
• Cutaway body style provides easy upper fret access
• Onboard preamp and tuner for plugged-in performance
• Attractive looks with flame maple binding

Cons

• Factory setup may require professional adjustment for best playability
• Electronics and equalization are decent but basic
• Higher action than some guitars in this price range
• Lack of side dot inlays on neck may frustrate some players
• Not as loud unplugged as all solid wood models

Conclusion

The Vangoa VGE12-2 is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar that provides solid value for the price. It's an attractive instrument made with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a cutaway design that makes upper fret access easier.

The guitar plays well right out of the box, with a comfortable neck and low action. It produces a balanced acoustic tone, though it lacks the richness and projection of more expensive models. The onboard electronics allow you to plug into an amp or PA system for amplification, but don't expect incredible tones comparable to pro-level acoustic-electrics.

Overall, this is a great option for beginner and intermediate players looking for an acoustic-electric on a budget. The Vangoa VGE12-2 punches above its weight class in terms of looks, playability, and versatility. Just keep expectations realistic for the sound quality from the electronics. For a sub-$200 acoustic-electric, this model offers excellent bang for your buck.

If you're a developing guitarist and need an accessible electro-acoustic with solid fundamental features, the Vangoa VGE12-2 is easy to recommend. More advanced players may want to save up for a higher-end instrument. But for most needs as an affordable, playable acoustic-electric, the VGE12-2 gets the job done.